Unveiling Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: Embracing the Epitome of FromSoftware's Legacy

Highlights

The forthcoming DLC for Elden Ring by FromSoftware is expected to offer players an exhilarating endgame encounter, aligning with the precedent established by remarkable DLC expansions in FromSoftware's earlier titles, such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne.

The DLC should feature challenging boss battles that will push even seasoned players to their limits, akin to the tough boss fights found in The Old Hunters and The Ringed City DLCs.

By introducing a new and formidable boss fight in Shadow of the Erdtree, it could give rise to player heroes who can assist others in overcoming the challenge by joining forces through cooperative summons.

The upcoming DLC for Elden Ring, the Game of the Year for 2022, is highly anticipated by many players. FromSoftware has a history of creating outstanding DLC expansions, such as The Old Hunters for Bloodborne and The Ringed City for Dark Souls 3. While details are currently limited about the upcoming DLC, titled Shadow of the Erdtree, it should aim to provide players with a challenging endgame experience, following the tradition set by previous FromSoftware DLCs. These expansions not only added significant lore to their respective games but also featured incredibly tough boss fights, often considered the most challenging in the entire game. Given the reputation of FromSoftware's games for their difficulty, the DLC should present a formidable test of skill for both new and experienced players. With most Elden Ring players already having conquered Malenia on their journey to Elden Lord, Shadow of the Erdtree will undoubtedly push even the most skilled players to their limits.

Shadow of the Erdtree Needs Its Own Slave Knight Gael or Orphan of Kos

It is widely known that boss fights are crucial elements in FromSoftware's Soulsborne games. These encounters, whether feared or eagerly anticipated by players, define the progression of each game. Each boss fight presents a significant challenge, serving as a means for the game to test the player's mastery of its mechanics. These fights represent the epitome of video game encounter design, showcasing FromSoftware's expertise in crafting engaging and dynamic battles against formidable adversaries.

The most formidable challenges in these games are exemplified by bosses like Orphan of Kos in Bloodborne and Slave Knight Gael in Dark Souls 3. These battles serve as the ultimate test of a player's skill, acting as a suitable culmination of everything the games have to offer. They are not meant to be faced during the early or mid-game stages; instead, they are intended to be the finest or near-final challenges encountered by players. In the past, Malenia held the position as an optional boss fight in Elden Ring, but the bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree aim to surpass this level of challenge and evoke nostalgia for the intensity of the Malenia fight.

A New Elden Ring Challenge Opens Up Potential for a New 'Let Me Solo Her'

FromSoftware's co-op implementation in the Soulsborne games has given rise to some truly memorable moments. One such moment is Let Me Solo Her, who famously assisted numerous players in overcoming the daunting Malenia boss fight in Elden Ring. If Shadow of the Erdtree presents players with an even greater challenge, it's not difficult to imagine another hero emerging to save the day through co-op summons.

While the PvP aspect of online connectivity in Soulsborne games can be frustrating for players who are unexpectedly invaded, the ability to summon co-op partners for PvE encounters has consistently been a valuable asset for those struggling with a particular boss. If Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a boss fight that surpasses the difficulty of Malenia, it is only a matter of time before the Elden Ring community responds with their own heroic co-op strategies.

Elden Ring is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.